FROM THIS EPISODE

An auditor says Orange County gave unjustified raises to a few high-level executives while hundreds of low-level workers were laid off or furloughed. Warnings about possible legal violations reportedly were ignored. We hear what the Board of Supervisors did — or didn't — do about it last night. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, is higher education really worth it?

Banner image: Thomas Mauk, CEO of the County of Orange, speaks to the Board of Supervisors at the Hall of Administration, Tuesday morning in Santa Ana, on the audit that Steve Danley, Performance Audit Director for Orange County, had performed. Photo: Mark Rightmire, The Orange County Register

There's only a week left until state legislators agree on a budget or lose their pay until they do. There is still a $12 billion shortfall and, despite some progress, Republicans and Democrats still disagree over how to close it. Anthony York reports from Sacramento for the Los Angeles Times.

Employees of Orange County told the Board of Supervisors last night they felt "betrayed" after an auditor's revelations that top county executives got unjustified raises of up to 33 percent in less than six months, at the same time hundreds of lower-level workers were being laid off and furloughed. The Orange County Register has reported the auditor's findings, the names of the beneficiaries and recommendations that could save the County $150 million. Last night was the Board's first hearing into the matter.

Note: We asked County CEO Tom Mauk and two supervisors to appear on tonight's program. All of them refused.

With employment at 9.1 percent, even graduates of expensive four-year colleges are finding it hard to get jobs. Did they waste their time and their parents' money? Are there alternatives to prepare for work in a changing economy?